I bought my first JX-8p when it came out(80's). I was playing keys with a pop rock band and needed something to cut through the mix. The DX-7 was the hot keyboard of the time and it's digital sounds were really fresh back then. The JX really was the best of both worlds because it's cross modulation could mimic some of the DX's metalic sounds. Since the DX sounded thin it seemed more suited for the studio, where it could be layered. The JX-8p on the otherhand was great for gigging. Killer brass, strings, pads and DX type sounds that punched a hole through the mix! Sold it years ago in my never ending quest to buy the "next best thing". Well, I just got another one for $200! It's a little worn, but works. It's a joy to play because it's so musical. It always inspires me. Yeah, the aftertouch was defective from the start, the presets are weak, it's only 6 voices, etc... but it always inspires me. The only thing I like better is the JX-10 or the module version. It's not the best analog synth in the world, but it's sure worth owning. Go get one.

Rating: 5 out of 5
posted Thursday-Dec-14-2000 at 15:22

Jamie
a professional user
from Philadelphia
writes:

I owned one of these back in 1987 and loved it, although there are several negative points about it I'd have to agree with. The keyboard itself is CHEAP, has the worst action of all synths I've ever played with exception of the SCI Pro-One. Aftertouch can kill your keyboard stand you have to press so hard (I had mine on a US 2 tier stand and knocked the thing off the stand at least twice!) The tac-switches are a menace since they wear out after time, so if you're getting one secondhand, make a point of making sure all the buttons work. The chorus definately isn't in balance with the rest of the synth. I had a tendency to use thick pads all the time, so having chorus on all the time was pretty normal for me, so I didn't mind it. As far as sound quality, it sounds much better than a Juno-106, which I don't understand why was so popular since the Juno 6/60 sounded WAY better than the rest of teh Juno line.

Rating: 3 out of 5
posted Sunday-Aug-20-2000 at 04:12

a hobbyist user
from USA
writes:

This synth is somewhat underrated, IMHO. It has alot of weak points, such as the notes "sticking" on rare occasion. It happens to mine, and also another reviwer on this site as well. My fav part has got to be the basses. For whatever reason, the square wave and similar bass tones, when swept with the filter are unbelieveable! It is probably one of the strongest synths I have played, delivering full, punchy, vibrant, phatt bass patches. It just sounds so "alive" in the mix! It also does well at nice complex little bleep sounds.

Rating: 5 out of 5
posted Friday-Jul-21-2000 at 18:53

DeadZone Studio
writes:

For me JX-8p is really easy to use because I have owned for example Roland D-5 and Korg Wavestation SR(programmers nightmares). After ten minute I was getting some nasty sounds. It's really great for string-pads and leads. Something negative? Keyboard is the worst I have ever played and aftertouch is useless. Really worth of money.

Rating: 4 out of 5
posted Wednesday-Jul-19-2000 at 07:36

Nick Fehlberg
a professional user
from Australia
writes:

I came accross a JX-8P with programmer in mint condition for AUD$650 and grabbed it. It's a good addition to my studio because its big on bottom end, has some interesting pads and sweeps, and the detuned unison drop octave has to be heard to be believed. It really has character! Sure its a little noisy, but you could pick faults with anything. The trick is to find its strengths, utilise them, and be as creative as you can be with the tools at hand. Remember what Moby did on 'Play' with his limited selection of gear! If you don't like the JX-8P for what it is, you didn't test it properly. 5 stars from me!